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First stance:
“EU EOM recommendations made to political contenders have not seen improvements. The IEBC, judiciary and civil society have been subject to further attacks. Political aggravation has resulted in a stand-off, with violent confrontations between groups of demonstrators and state security forces. A highly controversial electoral amendment bill, passed by Jubilee MPs in Parliament and awaiting presidential assent, has furthered divisions. The amendments are not required under the Supreme Court’s 1 September ruling, and their timing is not consistent with good practice for electoral law reform.3 The National Super Alliance (NASA) has declared that there will be “no election” as scheduled, stating that its candidates will not participate in the event that the amendments are adopted by the executive and there are not profound changes at the IEBC. Worryingly, there is also concern that “no election” means NASA supporters could obstruct polling and tallying. Such actions from both sides of the political divide are seriously damaging democratic functioning. Dialogue and cooperation are urgently needed for compromises so there can be a peaceful electoral process with integrity and transparency and Kenyans can chose their President” (Schaake, 2017).
Schaake, we agree on the amendment in Parliament, that is not good tea, but there is where we both agree. It is like you support the running election and want it go, even when there are any evidence of change. Maybe the 1st January 1970 date on the IEBC Portal or IEBC RTS system in public should worry you, but you have such faith in the IEBC. That you are as worried about demonstrations as the Jubilee. You speak of dialogue, that even the Jubilee party didn’t show up too and didn’t consider. They went campaigning and wasn’t interested in changing the IEBC. That has been proven since 1st September 2017.
“After some delay, the IEBC has given public information on its reforms, including a list of 10 improvements. Consultation was initially lacking, for example on the election date. However, the Chairperson then proposed weekly meetings with candidates’ representatives (although these did not work out), and the IEBC maintained an open-door policy, has organised meetings with each camp and has also given written responses to NASA’s requests (its “irreducible minimums”). Consultation meetings have been held with religious leaders and observers. While public information has been lacking, the IEBC has stated it will be undertaking regular news releases and daily updates” (Schaake, 2017).
That she believes the Chairman Wafula Chebukati and his consultations, even as the NASA Leadership left it without hope and started the demonstrations. Which she calls obstructions of polling and tallying. Even as this happens weeks in advance and also now in the days before the Fresh Presidential Elections of 26th October 2017. The answers from IEBC to Irreducible Minums, which h Schaake was able to add and not just minimums. As it is needed reforms of the electoral body, before any elections can happen in the eyes of the NASA. I know that is hard for Schaake to understand. Since she confess to stand by the IEBC, just like the Jubilee. She could be connected to them.
I find it striking that she defend the IEBC as an institution, even as it was differing from the fact that the IEBC rigged the August Election. That she is defending it and not seeing that the IEBC has not been changed. Like she has looked away at all the IEBC Internal Memos and the actions of continuing like they did in the previous ones. The IEBC had no fixation of following NASA guidelines, they have just continued in the support and defense of Jubilee. Now are the EU Envoy also supporting it. Its a disgrace. She gives 18 points advice to change, like they will listen. No doubt they will not listen to you, because they are not even respecting the NASA and fellow Kenyans. Why should they listen to you? A foreigner from the Netherlands unless you making it rain on Kenyatta and Ruto?
So it seems like stability for any price, but not a legitimate government is a concern for the EU Envoy in Kenya. Schaake, you need check your pulse and your heart. That you will let a shambolic even happen and make sure the IEBC run their elections with no change. You will not wish your own Netherlands to be put in the same charade of an election, but you can support this one. So its a disappointment, that you wrote this, but not surprising. Peace.
Reference:
Schaake, Marietje, European Election Observation Mission – EU EOM – ‘EU EOM Kenya: Progress update’ (16.10.2017) link: https://marietjeschaake.eu/en/eu-eom-kenya-progress-update

